December's Winter

If any of you remember when you were a child and loved the thrill of sledding on a bright, blue skyed day, with the weather nippy can really relate to the thrill Braden feels being bundled up and zipping down their own sledding hill. I think Braden "wins" the genuine sledding look. Check him out!
And who doesn't remember Christmas programs for preschoolers? Braden is the star...again!

Christmas Happenings

Here in Minneapolis it is our goal to thrive and not just survive the cold, brutal weather. I love that people just bundle up in layer upon layer to enjoy the out of doors in spite of the "nip in the air." Recently we had fun at the annual Holidazzle Parade in downtown Minneapolis.
Come and visit and be sure to bring your woolies!

First Time Blog!!! by Anne

Surprise!! I am truly "blogging"- thanks to McKenzie's help. I'm sure Sue will be the very most surprised. I have been meaning to do this for a long, long time. On the Jones side, we have a "Jones Journal" that comes out every other month. It really is a great way to stay in touch as our family grows and it seems to be harder and harder to get everyone together. I have enjoyed reading everyone's blogs as a way to stay in touch. So, this is my attempt to let you all know what is happening in our family.

McKenzie has been attending SLCC and living home this semester. She is working 2 jobs as well. She continues to work for the Faddis family who have a son that was severly injured about 20 years ago in an auto accident. She has now worked there about 2 1/2 years and loves it there. This has helped her decide to go into nursing and is currently working as a CNA at South Davis Hospital in Bountiful. She will have her associate degree after this semester and will apply to nursing school in January. It's hard to get accepted so we'll see.

Cole just wrapped up football season a couple of weeks ago and is now on the Viewmont basketball team - and has the blisters on his feet to prove it. The Viewmont team went 5-6 this year and had some real highs and lows. It came down to the last game in region to see if they would finish 2nd or 5th. The region was pretty evenly matched this year with everyone beating everyone. But unfortunatly for Viewmont they lost to Northridge that last game and so went into the state playoffs as a 5th seed. They ended up playing Alta High School, who have won State the last 2 years now and got beat up pretty bad. Cole was disappointed big time. He loves, loves, loves football and was disappointed to see it end. On a high note though, he found this week that he was named first team all-region. Pretty cool to do that as as junior and with so many good players in Region 1. So the goal now is to eat, eat, eat, lift, lift, lift and eat some more to try and put on about 30-40 pounds by next summer. And believe me, my grocery bill is proof of that!

Brock played his second year of lacrosse. I'm still trying to figure out all the rules and ask Brock after each game to explain some of the calls or strategy. It's a new game to me and is the fastest growing sport in Utah. He has had fun and has met some new friends.

Raymond has really gotten into mountain biking. This is a lot easier on his joints and he loves to see if he is "king of the mountain" by beating everyone up the mountain. He even drags me along sometimes. I think he likes to go with his buddies from work more because they can keep up with him. They like to go to Park City, Dear Valley, the Oquirrhs, Snowbasin, Mill Creek, and Mueller Park in Bountiful to name a few. He has a GPS system that he attaches to his bike that tracks each of his rides so he can then link onto a website of biking trails.

Me, I just try to make sure everyone is happy and gets to all the places they need to be and now a regular contributor to this blog.

Autumn in Minnesota

This autumn has been rather spectacular and as I drive around our area whether it be in a car or on a bike, so many times I am just in awe of the stunning beauty I am allowed to enjoy. I get such a tremendous amount of joy at the creations we have been given to behold and feel such gratitude. Here are but a few scenes of our area. I hope that this will inspire you to come and visit us here...at this time of the year!

Cousins

What a great night this was. You probably think I'm talking about the game where
Viewmont (Cole) beat Layton (Lauren). But oh no! This was a fun night where
cousins met off the field for a memorable photo. Can it get any better than that?

Happy Birthday Dad

On the 26th of August another milestone was reached in our family: Dad, Grandpa George turned a young 87 years of age. He's had a remarkable life and just continues to amaze us. We love him for all the things he's taught us and continues to show us in the way he lives his life. We wish him another great year!

Amazing Race to Duluth, MN

This week has been such fun as Anne and I have spent so much sister time together. Since we didn't get accepted to be in the Amazing Race (one of our very most favorite reality shows), we have been on our own AR. Monday we went to the MOA (Mall of America for all of you!) where Anne was able to see the largest mall in the country. This is where there is an indoor amusement park; if you are wondering if we went on any rides, well the answer is no. We went to H&M, Nordstrom's Rack, and (the regular) Nordstrom. That's it you ask when there are hundreds of stores to choose from. Right.

Next stop: Land's End Inlet (not Outlet, but the same thing). Anne was thrilled to find those shirts marked long (Cole), and some slacks just his size: long.
Next off to the Croc outlet store for a couple of new pairs for our resident CNA, McKenzie. Oh the dilemna of what color to choose when it seemed rather limiteless. I even persuaded Anne to buy herself a pair. Sure, they are ugly, but oh so comfortable! She's gonna love 'em.

Tuesday and Wednesday we were in Duluth, Minnesota. This city is an important port for the tremendous iron ore that is shipped out, plus many other products coming and going.
We rode our bikes (yes, they are old) the approximate 4 miles between (one way) from Gooseberry Falls to the Split Rock Lighthouse. The going down the hills was fun; the going up was hard...well I can only speak for myself as Anne was passing me easily. I have finally admitted that Anne is younger than me!
We took a tour to the lighthouse and marveled at those who kept these posts. It just had to be a very lonely job and cold in the winter!

The next morning we toured the Glensheen Mansion a 23 acre estate with a house of 39 rooms built in 1908. It was pretty incredible to see such beautiful craftmanship. We were amazed at the many innovative things that were created in this house. We loved learning all about this family and the amazing life that they led. Wow!
Afterwards, we walked along Canal Street and saw the bridge raise to let in a boat. We even bought chocolate delectables at "The Rocky Mountain Choclate Factory" (in Duluth?) before heading back to Maple Grove.
And just to be authentic, we did miss our directions a few times, and had to figure out where to go. We probably lost a little time there. But all in all, a good time was had by us and we think we won our Amazing Race!

Hermana Emily's in the hospital

Hey Handy Family,

I know most of you don't read this blog and fewer post something, but let's say you happen by this blog. Please check Hermana Emily--Emily's in the hospital with a blood clot and would very much enjoy your prayers. Thanks, thanks.

Father's Day BBQ June 13, 2008

Several of us gathered at Preston's and Kathleen's home on Friday, June 13th for an early Father's Day celebration. We had a great time at their home just relaxing on a beautiful day. We had hamburgers and hot dogs and lots of other great food: watermelon, chocolate chip cookies (yum!..send the recipe to me Kathleen!), cabbage salad, tossed salad, "Mom's" shrimp macaroni salad, chips, root beer floats and corn. Mark and Preston especially appreciate that Anne's seems to cook like Mom and so they just gobbled down the shrimp macaroni salad. Hey! I never even got a little spoonful you big boys!! Dad/Grandpa George received several gifts and among them were a couple of handsome shirts (blue of course!), a new bird book (one can always use a new one), and a bird feeder. He also received $$$ to go towards his new "walking stick." Such a great day for all of us.

Just a suggestion to the rest of you: get on the ball and create a family blog of your own and/or post family news and photos here where we can all enjoy it! And have you taken the time to vote whether this is a good thing or not? Take the time to do it. This is a great thing that we've started. Everyone (and that means all of us!) can contribute to this and help us all remain connected and knowing how we are and what is happening in our families. Thanks to all of you who have taken the time to contribute in one way or another to our "Comes In Handy" blog. It's a great thing! Can't get any better than this...or can it?

News from Erin & David

We have two very important bits of news. In order of priority:

1. A house for us! About 15 minutes east and slightly north from my mom and dad's house and 15 minutes north from David's parents', we have found a lovely spot to live in. We close July 22nd, which apparently gives us time to a) talk in our parents' ward while we're in it for two months, and b) teach about--irony--blogging this Tuesday for the enrichment ladies. We're quite quite excited about our first big 'ol purchase and affirming that it is indeed a large purchase, we have been a-garage sale-ing to put things in our purchase!
   
2. We have a shiny, brand-new blog now dedicated to not just recipes (Mark also put in a request to "see some pictures of [me] and the kids" on it...I actually don't have kids, a bit of a blockade for me). I am, however, the proud mother of two posts now on our new site.
   

Read about both here. It's a private blog, but all you need to do is send me your e-mail (or pass it to my mom, who'll pass it to me) and you'll get a handy (hahaha) invitation. Just accept it and you're in.

On a side note, Minnesota is beautiful this time of year, a fact you're all familiar with. Oh, you aren't? Well, come on over! It's about time for a family trip, isn't it? There is so much fun to be had here. Come see. (David will grill you a Minnesota/Wisconsin specialty, called the "brat." No, not "brAt," but "brAHt. You'll dwell in fatty goodness upon tasting it.)

I'll even let you view my online "What's Erin Doing in Minneosta" photo album, if you say "please."

Oh, and hey. One more thing. See that poll on the right? Vote!




Love, rain, sunshine, and greenery from Minnesota,

The Sprouts